equitable
adjective
eq·ui·ta·ble
ˈe-kwə-tə-bəl 
1
: having or exhibiting equity : dealing fairly and equally with all concerned
an equitable settlement of the dispute
often, specifically
: fair in a way that accounts for and attempts to offset disparities in the way people of different races, genders, etc. are treated
To enable all students to achieve a common set of standards requires equitable—not equal—treatment. —
Karen Humphrey
Karen Humphrey The health and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic are not equally felt. … Justice-oriented policies would aim for equitable (not equal) distribution of necessary pandemic resources—equitable based on a shared definition of fairness instead of equal, the same across groups. —Gottfried Schweiger
Gottfried Schweiger 2
law
: existing or valid in equity as distinguished from law
an equitable defense
Examples of equitable in a Sentence
They reached an equitable settlement of their dispute.
fighting for a more equitable distribution of funds
an equitable system of taxation
Recent Examples on the Web
Spreading attention across 46 stations may feel equitable.
—Alfred Barry, Baltimore Sun, 9 Apr. 2026
Rather than limit the amount of money received from Social Security, the more equitable and effective way to extend the life of the trust fund is to remove the cap on income subject to contributions.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026
By building the infrastructure, visibility and global connections that African women filmmakers need to succeed, WIF LA and WIFT Africa are accelerating both cultural diplomacy and an equitable, sustainable industry for generations to come.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
Her advocacy for breast health and equitable access to care, alongside her love for the Chiefs, led her to being the 2022 Chiefs’ Fan of the Year.
—Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for equitable
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Alfred Barry, Baltimore Sun, 9 Apr. 2026
Rather than limit the amount of money received from Social Security, the more equitable and effective way to extend the life of the trust fund is to remove the cap on income subject to contributions.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 9 Apr. 2026
By building the infrastructure, visibility and global connections that African women filmmakers need to succeed, WIF LA and WIFT Africa are accelerating both cultural diplomacy and an equitable, sustainable industry for generations to come.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026
Her advocacy for breast health and equitable access to care, alongside her love for the Chiefs, led her to being the 2022 Chiefs’ Fan of the Year.
—Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for equitable
Cite this Entry
“Equitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equitable. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
equitable
adjective
eq·ui·ta·ble
ˈek-wət-ə-bəl
: being fair or just
reached an equitable settlement of their dispute
equitableness
noun
Legal Definition
equitable
adjective
eq·ui·ta·ble
ˈe-kwi-tə-bəl
1
: having or exhibiting equity : dealing fairly and equally
shall allocate…payments in an equitable manner—U.S. Code
U.S. Code2
: existing or valid in equity or as a matter of equity as distinguished from law
an equitable defense
compare legal sense 4
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